Sales Director- Packaging (Remote)

Who We Are

On July 1, 2025, IPL Plastics merged with Schoeller Allibert to form IPL Schoeller (the ‘company’). The Company’s operations are split across North America (11 manufacturing plants) and Europe (16 manufacturing plants).

The company is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. IPL Schoeller is a leading manufacturer of sustainable rigid packaging solutions across a range of end market segments including returnable transit packaging, consumer and industrial packaging, environmental containers and agricultural packaging. The company employs c.4,100 employees across North America (1,600 employees) and Europe (2,500 employees.)

The role

Location: Remote (North America) with required travel to customers and IPL Schoeller plants

About the Role

IPL Schoeller is seeking a dynamic and commercially driven Sales Director – Packaging to lead and grow our Retail Pails and Large Format Packaging (LFP) businesses across major North American retail customers. This senior leadership role owns the commercial strategy, revenue growth, margin performance, and executive-level customer relationships for the retail pails portfolio.

As the senior commercial leader for this segment, you will directly lead a team of Key Account Managers and work cross‑functionally with Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, Engineering, Marketing, and Customer Service to drive disciplined execution in a fast‑paced, manufacturing environment.

This role is ideal for a strategic sales leader with deep experience supporting large national retailers such as Lowe’s, Sherwin-Williams, Ace Hardware, Uline, or similar home improvement and hardlines customers. Previous experience with Large Format Packaging is a strong plus.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Leadership & Segment Strategy

• Own and lead the overall commercial strategy for Retail Pails and Large Format Packaging

• Drive revenue growth, margin expansion, and portfolio optimization

• Lead annual planning, budgeting, forecasting, and pipeline management processes

Sales Strategy & Execution

• Develop and execute annual strategic account plans aligned with IPL Schoeller’s retail channel strategy

• Identify and secure new distribution and growth opportunities through assortment optimization, SKU rationalization, and targeted initiatives

• Partner with Sales Operations, Customer Service, and Supply Chain to manage customer forecasts, demand trends, and sales pipelines

• Support IPL’s pricing strategy through quote preparation, margin analysis, and execution of approved pricing actions

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Key Account Managers

• Set clear expectations around account planning, forecasting accuracy, and CRM discipline

• Build and sustain a high‑performing, results‑oriented sales culture

Strategic Account & Customer Engagement

• Serve as executive sponsor for key retail customers

• Lead complex negotiations and strategic commercial agreements

• Conduct executive‑level customer business reviews and joint strategic planning sessions

Pricing, Margin & Portfolio Management

• Own pricing strategy and margin performance for the segment

• Approve major quotes and pricing actions

• Lead SKU rationalization and assortment optimization initiatives

Cross‑Functional Leadership

• Collaborate closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, Engineering, and Marketing teams

• Align demand forecasts with manufacturing and supply chain capacity to ensure service excellence

Data, Analytics & Reporting

• Drive disciplined use of CRM and ERP systems

• Monitor and report on key performance indicators, including revenue, margin, service levels, and forecast accuracy

Qualifications & Experience

• 8–12+ years of progressive sales or commercial leadership experience

• Direct experience working with one or more of the following preferred:
  The Home Depot, Lowe’s, Sherwin-Williams, Ace Hardware, Uline, or other national hardlines retailers

• Background in manufacturing, packaging, consumer durables, or other product‑based industries preferred

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales trends, pricing models, and margin structures

• Proven ability to work cross‑functionally and manage multiple priorities in a complex organization

• Exceptional written and verbal communication, presentation, and relationship‑building skills

• Proficiency with ERP and CRM systems; IFS experience is a plus

• Willingness and ability to travel as required

If you have the above experience and are looking for a role where you can make a real difference, apply today to find out more!